Breast pain, inflammation and changes during breastfeeding can be uncomfortable and sometimes overwhelming. At Yarra Valley Women's Health, our team provides breast care to support people experiencing mastitis-related inflammation, breast discomfort and musculoskeletal concerns associated with breastfeeding.
Our approach focuses on gentle, evidence-informed care, education and collaboration with our IBCLC and other healthcare providers where appropriate.
Mastitis & Breast Care | Healesville & Yarra Valley
Mastitis & Breast Inflammation
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue and can occur with or without bacterial infection. Symptoms can range from localised breast tenderness, swelling or redness through to feeling generally unwell with fever or flu-like symptoms.
Early support can help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms, how to appropriately manage breast inflammation and when further medical or lactation assessment is required.
Our osteopaths may support people experiencing:
Localised breast inflammation and tenderness
Breast swelling or discomfort
Recurrent breast inflammation
Musculoskeletal pain associated with breastfeeding
Neck, shoulder, rib or upper back discomfort
Postural and positioning challenges during feeding
Care is gentle and tailored to your individual presentation.
How Can Osteopathy Support Breast Care?
Our osteopaths consider both the breast and the surrounding musculoskeletal system.
Depending on your presentation, an appointment may include assessment of the breast and surrounding tissues, as well as the thoracic spine, ribs, neck and shoulders where relevant.
Management may include:
Gentle hands-on techniques focusing on lymphatic drainage to help reduce inflammation in the area
Assessment and treatment of associated neck, shoulder, rib and thoracic concerns
Education around breast inflammation and self-management
Advice around positioning and reducing unnecessary pressure on the breast
Referral to or collaboration with our IBCLC, GP or other healthcare professionals where required
We do not use aggressive or deep breast massage for mastitis or breast inflammation.
Working Alongside Lactation Support
Breast health and breastfeeding are closely connected, which is why having access to the right support is important.
Our osteopaths work alongside our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), allowing us to consider both your physical symptoms and factors relating to feeding.
If concerns around latch, milk supply, expressing, feeding patterns or your baby's feeding are contributing to your presentation, we may recommend lactation support alongside your breast care.
Post-Breast Cancer & Breast Surgery Care
Our breast care services also extend beyond breastfeeding.
Following breast surgery or breast cancer treatment, some people experience changes in scar mobility, chest wall movement, shoulder mobility and surrounding musculoskeletal discomfort.
Osteopathic care may support your broader recovery through assessment and management of:
Scar and surrounding tissue mobility
Chest wall and rib mobility
Shoulder movement
Neck and upper back discomfort
Musculoskeletal changes following surgery or treatment
Care is always tailored to your medical history, stage of recovery and recommendations from your treating medical team.
We now offer therapeutic ultrasound as part of our Mastitis & Breast Care appointments at Yarra Valley Women’s Health.
Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create a therapeutic effect within the breast tissue. It may be used as part of the management of the mastitis spectrum, particularly where inflammation, swelling, pain or a persistent firm and tender area of the breast is present.
Therapeutic ultrasound may be considered for:
Mastitis and inflammatory breast symptoms
Persistent localised breast inflammation and swelling
Painful, firm or tender areas of the breast
Ductal narrowing (often referred to as a “blocked duct”)
Breast engorgement and associated discomfort
Your appointment is individualised to your presentation. Therapeutic ultrasound may be incorporated alongside gentle hands-on breast care, education and advice to support recovery and ongoing breast health.
If your symptoms require further medical investigation or management, we will discuss this with you and recommend the appropriate next steps.
Therapeutic Ultrasound for Mastitis & Breast Care
Book a Mastitis & Breast Care Appointment
If you're experiencing breast inflammation, mastitis-related symptoms, breastfeeding-associated musculoskeletal discomfort or changes following breast surgery, our team can help assess your presentation and guide you towards the most appropriate care.
Why patients choose Yarra Valley Women's Health
Gentle, evidence-informed assessment and treatment tailored to your symptoms.
Early support to help identify contributing factors and guide management.
Collaborative care with our IBCLC and multidisciplinary team when appropriate.
Practical education to support breastfeeding and reduce recurrence.
Conveniently located in Healesville, welcoming patients from across the Yarra Valley.
